For many people, a second home in Italy is a way to have a refuge from the colder climates of northern Europe, a place in the sun for the summer or a place to escape the cold winter. But of course winters in Italy are themselves plenty cold and you have to keep you home warm. But with higher bills for heating and electricity hitting homeowners and renters alike, that is becoming both more difficult and more expensive.
There are many tips and tricks for those who want to reduce their heating bills and pollute less while using their buildings' central heating systems and their property's radiators. But many people are also turning away from the standard of centrally heated radiators as a way to keep the winter chill out of their homes and looking at other options instead. Today we discover some useful advice on how to heat your home without radiators and without spending too much.
Pellet stoves
The choice to heat your house without radiators is now a fairly frequent option, especially for certain types of flats. In particular properties such as lofts, or any property with large open spaces really, can benifit enormously from other heating solutions. In these cases, pellet stoves are often used to heat the home without spending too much.
Pellet stoves (or those fuelled by other types of biomass) can heat a house of up to 350 square metres to a comfortable temperature without using radiators. Not only that, but some "radiant" models can spread hot air out to create a truly unique comfort zone. Pellet stoves can also be integrated with the existing heating system and save a considerable amount of money.
A pellet stove allows savings starting from 100 euros per year (if connected to a methane system) up to a maximum of over 1,000 euros (if connected to an LPG system). Obviously they can also be switched on and off with programmed or remote management. However, buying one of these is going to set you back around 1,500/2,000 euro.
Wall-mounted panel heaters
If you want to heat a less open-plan house that is full of spearated rooms, and you want to avoid using radiators or spending too much money, there is another solution that is not yet widely known. This is an elegant and effective option; the wall-mounted panel heater, which emits infrared radiation that only affects (heats) solid objects within its range.
In practice, therefore, these panels do not heat the actual air, but rather infuse heat onto surrounding objects, quickly raising the temperature of the room. The heat, spread by radiation, can rise pretty quickly and can be maintained for a long time.
Another point in favour of panel heaters is consumption, which is extremely low, since the power can be regulated (unlike classic radiators, which heat as much as they can until the desired temperature is reached). Not only that, there is no heat dispersion, because the panels do not heat the air but only the objects inside a room (including the person living there), so you are not wasting any energy.
Moreover, infrared radiation is healthy for our body and represents about 50% of the sun's rays, which activate blood circulation and cellular metabolism. The fact that some beauty centres carry out treatments using these rays says it all really.
Heated floors
If your house has high ceilings then it can present a unique challenge when it comes to heating it. There is however a solution that will work for you without radiators and without spending a fortune: underfloor heating. Heat tends to rise upwards and with simple radiators the warm air would accumulate on the ceiling, without people being able to benefit from it three metres below.
A practical solution for heating a house with high walls without radiators is to use underfloor heating, which provides an always-warm floor, thanks to the coils placed under the floor that constantly radiate warm air. This will allow you to enjoy a cozy surface that is always a pleasure to walk around on, even in the depths of winter!
Ideas for renovating your home in Italy: tips and inspirations for every need
Buying a home in Italy and renovating it to suit your family's needs is a decision that should never be taken lightly. It’s all too easy to go from feeling overwhelmed to achieving complete satisfaction. This is because navigating the right approach to managing the renovation process without losing your sanity can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll offer simple ideas for renovating your home, breaking down each step you can take to turn your house into the home of your dreams.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Italy?
Have you ever dreamed of settling down in the picturesque Tuscan countryside? Maybe you’re considering a career change with some of Milan or Rome’s top companies? Or perhaps you just want to spend your days sipping espresso and strolling through the ancient streets of Rome.
The Italian cities with the worst air quality according to Legambiente
The year 2030 is fast approaching, marking a significant shift in environmental sustainability within EU member states. Yet, according to Legambiente, there is still much to be done in Italy. The Mal'Aria 2025 report lists the worst Italian cities for air quality, identifying 25 cities that exceeded the legal limits for PM10 over the past 12 months. Here’s the list.
Flight bonus for Sicily and Sardinia in 2025: who Is eligible?
2025 brings good news for residents of Sicily and Sardinia, who will receive financial support to counter rising flight costs. In both regions, this bonus is becoming a permanent measure and includes a refund that varies depending on the region of origin and specific eligibility criteria. Let’s explore the details of this initiative and all the updates for the new year.
Do solar panels work in winter?
Will solar panels work in winter? This recurring question not only has an answer but is also accompanied by a series of tips to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic technology during the winter months. Experts from ENEA (Italy's National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) have released a statement detailing various measures and good practices to adopt during the coldest season to maximise the performance of photovoltaic systems. Let’s find out more.
Tax incentives for foreign buyers in Italy
Italy has long been a dream destination for individuals seeking a blend of culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty. Beyond its lifestyle appeal, Italy offers a range of tax incentives for foreign buyers, making it an increasingly attractive location for international property investors. These incentives are particularly appealing to high-net-worth individuals and expatriates, offering substantial tax benefits and regional advantages.
